Softshell Turtle Florida Health Information

Florida Softshell Turtles are special animals with needs that may exceed the amount of dedication most pet owners are willing to give to its care. They are very cute and colorful as hatchlings, which initially lures pet owners into thinking that they are tiny and easy to care for. When well taken care of, Florida Softshells will grow very large, very quickly. These turtles can live for 30 years or more and the largest recorded female was about two feet across. They eventually require large enclosures (meaning a pond!) and a lot of food as well as time and energy. The hatchlings are also extremely prone to illness due to poor water quality and often develop a fungus, which is difficult to get rid of, and leads to the death of many softshells. These turtles are best suited for an experienced turtle pet owner who has time and money to take care of their needs properly.